Bryce Harper, 'happy to be back' after long absence, drives in two to help surging Phillies stay hot

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In his first at-bat after missing 52 games due to a broken thumb, BryceHarper hit a two-run single in his first at-bat.

In his first three at-bats after being hit in the hand by a left-handed pitcher,Harper lined out sharply and grounded out twice. The reigning NLMVP hit the top of the order and helped the Philadelphia win their fifth straight game.

"I'm happy to be back and help the team win,''Harper said.

Philadelphia is in second place in the wild-card race.

They're playing so well that I'm just trying to stay out of it. Being able to watch and be around them has been fun.

25 minutes before the first pitch,Harper ran out for warm ups to loud cheers and chants of "Let'sGoHarper!'' WhenHarper was introduced 20 minutes later, the crowd responded with a loud applause. He received a standing ovation and chants of "M-V-P!'' when he came to the plate with no outs in the first.

"I started laughing because it's awesome,''Harper said. Being able to play in front of 40,000 people is something that I enjoy. It's all about that.

Harper hit a two-run single with a 2-2 count against Wilson.

He said that he was able to come through because of his teammates.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Nationals outfielder went 5 for 8 with two homers, two doubles and six runs. After his walk-off double for the IronPigs on Wednesday night, the Philadelphia organization decided to keep him in Triple-A through Saturday.

He said he just wanted to play and help. The team has the chance to go to the playoffs and go deep in the playoffs.

There were other people who were happy to seeHarper back in Philadelphia. His wife posted a photo on social media of her wearing a shirt with multiple images ofHarper on it. She said she wore her heart on her sleeve.

The four-game home sweep of the Reds by the Phils drew about 10,000 more fans than the average. During that series, they averaged 21,227.

The AP contributed.